The landscaped front yard at 375 Meadowbrook Road features native plants, an environmentally friendly alternative to a lawn.

The landscaped front yard at 375 Meadowbrook Road features native plants, an environmentally friendly alternative to a lawn.

Photo: Contributed Photo

On the market: Harvest a bounty of eco-friendly amenities at this Colonial

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The terms "energy efficiency" and "green construction" were not part of the lexicon in 1921, when the white Colonial house at 357 Meadowbrook Road was built not far from Fairfield University.

Not until April 22, 1970, was Earth Day first introduced as an annual celebration, and on April 18, 1977, then-President Jimmy Carter wore a sweater as he delivered a televised speech on the need "to balance our demand for energy with our rapidly shrinking resources."

Many people became environmentally conscious, thinking on a large scale about the health of the planet as a whole and about what they could do as individuals to contribute to the cause closer to home.

The owners of the house on Meadowbrook have incorporated into it many energy-efficient, green or sustainable features that are not just healthy for the earth's environment, but for the residents of the house. The house was thoughtfully renovated with an environmental consciousness without sacrificing style.

Kitchen features include sustainable cork flooring and eco-friendly PaperStone counter tops. PaperStone is a nontoxic material with the durability of stone and is made from 100 percent post-consumer, recycled paper and non-petroleum-based resin with natural pigments. It is billed by one supplier as "the countertop with a conscience."

The high-end stainless chef's appliances are energy efficient and include a Liebherr refrigerator and dual-fuel Jenn-Air range.

The walls are covered with nontoxic paint, and the light bulbs are energy efficient. All the rugs are 100 percent wool, all-natural fibers, so there aren't any chemicals coming from them and they are easier to clean with simple soap and water. The house is conducive to conversion to solar power because of its southern exposure.

The environmentally conscious features are not confined to the indoors. The professional landscaping comprises native plants and no chemicals or pesticides are used to maintain them. As the owner said, "There is a sewer drain down the street and I didn't want anything bad from our yard going into it. That sewer drain keeps us honest."

Additionally, because turf is the top irrigated crop in the nation, this property has no grass in the front of the house, which sits on a corner lot. That way, the owners have saved water and money by not having to irrigate. They did grow grass in the fenced-in backyard for the children's play area, but with a total property size of 0.12 of an acre, the small backyard does not require a substantial amount of watering.

According to the owner green living begins with the footprint we leave behind. "How much space does a family need?" the owner asked. The house has 1,488 square feet of living space, with additional space available in the finished attic, which is used as a playroom. The hallways are narrower to allow for more room in the bedrooms. Besides, larger hallways require more fuel to heat and cool.

Although small in size, the home has an ease of flow that's good for everyday living and entertaining. The living room has a fireplace. The dining room has chair railing, wainscoting on the lower walls and a built-in corner cabinet. Off the kitchen are a half bath and a door to the backyard. There is also a side door, which can be accessed in the stairwell that leads to the unfinished basement.

There is also a sunroom on the main floor, which could serve as an office, playroom or sitting room.

On the second floor there are three bedrooms, one of which provides access to stairs to the finished attic. The master bedroom has a closet with organizers.

An open house will take place at the property on Sunday, April 27, from 1 to 3 p.m.